Baldur's Gate 3: The Dilemma of Freeing Orpheus

Among the many critical decisions players will face throughout their *Baldur's Gate 3* campaign, one of the most pivotal comes near the story's end. With the fate of the world hanging in the balance, players must choose between liberating the imprisoned Gith Prince Orpheus or allowing The Emperor to manage the situation independently.

After acquiring the Orphic Hammer in the House of Hope, players in *Baldur's Gate 3* have the chance to break Orpheus' shackles. However, this choice can profoundly impact the party's destiny. Here are the potential outcomes for this crucial decision.

Updated on February 29, 2024, by Nahda Nabiilah: In addition to these tough decisions, players must also defeat Ketheric Throm, Lord Enver Gortash, and Orin before deciding Orpheus' fate. To do this, players need to explore both the upper and lower districts of Baldur's Gate thoroughly, locate each of the three "chosen ones," and defeat them individually. The decision regarding Orpheus is significant, as some companions may choose to sacrifice themselves for the greater good. To influence their decisions and keep them in the party before and after facing the Netherbrain, players must be well-prepared, as certain interactions require a roll of 30.

The following contains spoilers for the ending of *Baldur's Gate 3*. Reader discretion is advised.

Should You Free Orpheus in Baldur's Gate 3?

This is a challenging decision that hinges on what players seek from their playthrough. At the beginning of Act 3, The Emperor warns that keeping Orpheus imprisoned is crucial to preventing the party from turning into Illithids. Consequently, freeing Orpheus may doom one or all party members to become Mind Flayers.

After failing to defeat the Netherbrain, The Emperor teleports the party into the Astral Prism, presenting them with a choice: free Orpheus or allow The Emperor to assimilate the Gith Prince and harness his power.

Side With The Emperor

Choosing to side with The Emperor leads to Orpheus' demise, as The Emperor absorbs all his knowledge. This decision might not sit well with Lae'zel and Karlach, whose personal quests are tied to Orpheus' survival. While siding with The Emperor gives the party a strategic advantage against the Netherbrain, it may not be the preferred outcome for fans of these characters.

Freeing Orpheus

Conversely, freeing Orpheus causes The Emperor to align with the Netherbrain in *Baldur's Gate 3*. As previously mentioned, this could lead to at least one party member transforming into a Mind Flayer, which contradicts the party's initial purpose. However, Orpheus will join the battle against the Netherbrain with the Githyanki. If players request that Orpheus transform into a Mind Flayer instead, he will willingly sacrifice himself to save his people.

In summary, players should side with The Emperor if they wish to avoid becoming Mind Flayers. Conversely, they should free Orpheus if they are willing to risk themselves or their companions transforming. Siding with The Emperor may cause Lae'zel to turn against the player and force Karlach to return to Avernus due to her Infernal Engine. Ultimately, the choice depends on which outcome aligns best with the player's preferences.

What's The Morally Good Play Here?

The morally good choice largely depends on individual perspectives, but it often revolves around loyalty. Orpheus, as a descendant of Gith, is the rightful ruler of the Githyanki and opposes Vlaakith's tyrannical rule. For players roleplaying as Githyanki, siding with Orpheus is a natural choice. However, for others, fulfilling the demands of Voss and Lae'zel may seem excessive, as the Gith prioritize their own interests over the greater good.

On the other hand, The Emperor is generally benevolent, aiming to stop the Netherbrain and assist the party. He understands that some victories require sacrifice. Following The Emperor's plan might result in the player turning into a Mind Flayer, but it would be a morally upright transformation. Remember, *Baldur's Gate 3* offers multiple endings, so strategic gameplay can lead to an outcome that benefits everyone.